A very scarce single issue of The Slave's Friend, published from 1836 to 1839. Only 38 issues appeared of this first anti-slavery magazine written exclusively for American children. The diminutive magazine, measuring just 2 3/4 x 4.25 inches, included poetry and prose intended to infuse children with Abolitionist sentiments.
This particular issue's man narrative is that written by Lydia Maria Child, regarding the enslavement of two children, one black and one white. But the little white girl was "darkened" with polish so she could be passed off at auction. The two friends face the hardships of the child slave together. Ultimately, it is discovered that the child who is white has been "darkened," and she is cleaned up and returned to the North. The tale highlights the plight of the young, the injustice and arbitrariness of "color" slavery, and certainly intends to cast the North as more enlightened, already having "little black girls and little white girls holding hands," so to speak.
Very scarce. A sole issue offered at auction a few years ago fetched $687.50.
Anonymous [Lydia Maria Child]. The Slave's Friend. No. IX. New York. For Sale at the Anti-Slavery Office. 1833. 16pp.
A fair copy only, bound in wraps, torn across front title, shaken, with handled pages. Rear wrap very handled. Still legible, though with effort.
